The event was held at the Military University of Technology (MUT) in Warsaw and was organized by the Mobile Robotics Center of the Institute of Machine Design and Robotics at MUT’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with the Innovation Department of the Polish Ministry of National Defence.

Six teams from universities in Rzeszów, Warsaw, Kielce, and Wrocław took part in the event. WUT’s representatives took second place, finishing between the Legendary team (Rzeszów) and the Impuls team (Kielce). The competition was not only a test of skill but also an opportunity to evaluate robotic designs in military applications.

The students showcased their self-developed mobile robots and successfully completed three tasks set by the organizers, which required creativity, quick decision-making, and teamwork.

"As part of the prepared tasks, our robots had to transport payloads to designated locations, detect enemy unit positions, and Identify specific military vehicle and machinery silhouettes hidden in the terrain. The robots were also evaluated on their ability to collect water and soil samples, including analysis of water potability, and on the safe transport of small objects to a mobile laboratory. An important aspect was also the presentation of the user interface and the functionality of environmental sensors. We are grateful for the invitation to participate in this initiative. It was a unique opportunity to test our skills in a different field. The fact that all podium spots were taken by teams known from Mars rover competitions only proves that — no matter the planet—we deliver!" — Miłosz Kurtysiak, Coordinator of the SKA Robotics Section.

The top three teams in the national preselection received financial awards funded by the Minister of National Defence. The winners received, respectively: PLN 25,000 for first place, PLN 10,000 for second place, and PLN 5,000 for third place.

The MAKEATHON – Autonomous Robotic Experimental Systems (ARES) competition selected the teams that will represent Poland internationally at the European Defence Innovation Days 2025 (EDID25), organized by the European Defence Agency.